Do you ever find yourself savoring a cup of coffee, letting your mind wander into a reflective,
almost philosophical state? As I grow older, I realize that these moments of reflection often bring out some of my best thoughts. Yet, like many of us, I get caught up in the busyness of life, rushing from one task to the next, and I don’t take enough time to just think. Maybe you’ve experienced this too? I’ve discovered that without proper reflection, I don’t progress as quickly or as far as I know I could.
We all know that if an emergency arose, we would drop everything to deal with it. If something is truly a priority, it goes straight on the calendar or to the top of the “To Do” list. But what about reflection? Shouldn’t it get the same level of attention? For me, this is the time to consider, “What could be?” With a cup of coffee in hand—especially a good morning blend—these moments become even more valuable.
The Importance of Daily Reflection
There are two main types of reflection that I go through. The first is my daily morning routine, where I review my journal. Journaling is something I started after attending a conference led by Darren Hardy, one of my mentors. I had never journaled before, but the process has become a cornerstone of my personal growth. My journals are filled with key insights and wisdom that I want to integrate into my life, helping me lead myself better each day.
One of my favorite lessons from John Maxwell is, “Leadership develops daily, not in a day.” This daily journal routine is a part of that process. Many people tell me they’re not “in leadership,” but I disagree. Leadership is simply influence, and every day we spend time with others, we have the opportunity to influence them—whether it’s recommending a great breakfast spot like The Engine House Cafe or picking up a new hobby like pickleball. We are all leaders in our own way.
Reflecting with a Partner
The second type of reflection happens during quiet times, often with my wife Kris on a lazy Saturday morning. There’s something special about sharing a cup of morning blend, either on our screen porch, in front of the fireplace, or even while camping. These moments with Kris are some of my favorite times. We dream, we plan, we even have “intense fellowship,” but most importantly, we share our visions and goals for the future. This time together helps us get in sync with what we want going forward, whether it’s happiness, success, or creating lasting memories with our family.
These Saturday morning blends are not just about relaxing—they’re about renewing my spirit and bringing clarity to my vision. They remind me to step off the proverbial treadmill of life and think about “What could be?”
The Need for Outside Perspective
As we search for our own versions of success, it’s important to bring in outside perspectives. Too often, we act as if we’re the smartest person in the room, afraid to find a thinking partner who might challenge our beliefs or point out mistakes. But avoiding mistakes only keeps us stuck. I know this all too well as a recovering perfectionist.
That’s why I value these reflective times with Kris so much. They’re not just about dreaming big—they’re about staying grounded, being open to change, and improving ourselves.
Moving Forward
I spent most of my career as an engineer—a safe and financially rewarding path. But my journey since "retiring" has been an even greater evolution of my personal being and existence. I’ve learned that life is about more than just safety and rewards; it’s about becoming the best version of myself and adding value to others. As one of my mentors said, “If you want more, you have to become more.” And if I can help you on your journey, that would make my day.
So, the next time you find yourself with a cup of coffee and some quiet time, take a moment to reflect. Think about “What could be?” and how you can grow into the person you were designed to become. After all, the best journeys are those we take with purpose, vision, and the people we love by our side.
Comments